Charlie in Sotogrande – Details, episodes & analysis

Peter and Andrea, the team behind Nonna Monda, to hear how a holiday home in Sotogrande turned into a new hospitality venture.

We discuss the story behind the deli, Andrea’s Italian food background, Peter’s long connection with Sotogrande, the private dining table concept, sourcing authentic Italian products, the challenges of opening a business in Spain, and why Plaza Blanca has become such an important meeting point for residents, families, golfers, polo players, and visitors.

Nonna Monda Instagram: @nonnamonda

Nonna Monda Website: www.nonnamonda.com

CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

Today I sit down and speak with Nick Feeney, a coach, mentor and strategist who works with high-performing individuals on longevity, peak span, health, resilience and sustainable performance. The conversation covers Nick’s personal journey, why he moved to Sotogrande, the difference between coaching, mentoring and strategy, the health blind spots many successful people face, and how Sotogrande’s lifestyle supports movement, community, safety and wellbeing.
Sotogrande has become much more than a residential resort. For many international families, entrepreneurs, retirees and professionals, it offers a rare balance of privacy, safety, sport, nature, international community and year-round lifestyle. Golf, paddle, walking, the marina, international schools and a quieter pace of life all contribute to why people choose Sotogrande over busier areas of the Costa del Sol.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

Sotogrande history, Sotogrande real estate, polo in Sotogrande, golf in Sotogrande, and what life in Sotogrande was really like decades ago. This episode covers how one of southern Spain’s most unique communities evolved over time. If you want to understand why people move to Sotogrande, how the lifestyle has changed, and what still makes it different today, this conversation gives rare first-hand insight.In this episode, I sit down with Enrique “Quique” Berazadi, founder of SotoEstates and one of the long-standing figures in Sotogrande real estate. Kike shares what Sotogrande was like when his family first arrived in 1968, how the community developed from an isolated golf destination into an internationally known lifestyle hub, and how polo, golf, the marina, architecture, and buyer profiles have shaped the area over the decades. They also discuss the evolution of property in Sotogrande, how the resort changed after Gibraltar reopened, why Sotogrande still attracts families and lifestyle-focused buyers, and the story behind Kike’s photo books documenting the area’s visual history.Timestamps00:00 Quique’s family arrived in Sotogrande in 196800:54 Intro: Quique Barasadi and his long history in Sotogrande01:50 How Quique first connected with Sotogrande03:31 Why families originally chose Sotogrande over Marbella04:52 How isolated Sotogrande used to be06:28 The vision behind building Sotogrande in the 1960s07:33 When development started changing the original concept09:17 Free golf, beach clubs and the earliest community lifestyle10:28 Polo on the beach and the early Sotogrande atmosphere11:10 Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra and famous old Sotogrande stories12:16 How Sotogrande changed after Gibraltar reopened13:53 The impact of the marina and later infrastructure15:52 Why polo became so important to Sotogrande17:57 The Ryder Cup era and international visibility18:11 How the port changed boating and summer life20:37 Valderrama and Sotogrande’s golf identity21:28 How Quique got into Sotogrande real estate in the early 1980s24:37 How villas and architecture have changed over time26:31 Construction quality, then vs now27:21 How the buyer profile has changed over the decades29:20 The old social rules and exclusivity of early Sotogrande31:52 New international buyers and the changing community34:18 The story behind Quique’s Sotogrande photography books40:24 Polo, family tradition and his son’s professional career44:52 Why Sotogrande is one of the world’s important polo destinations48:57 Sailing, sponsorships and community sport50:43 The future of Sotogrande over the next 10–15 years55:10 Beachside vs hilltop living in Sotogrande58:14 Quique’s favorite place and time of year in Sotogrande59:03 Is Sotogrande still paradise?Sotogrande has always stood apart from other Costa del Sol destinations because of its low-density planning, sport-led identity, and strong family lifestyle. Golf, polo, sailing, privacy, and international community life remain some of the biggest reasons people are drawn here today, especially families, long-term residents, and buyers looking for a quieter alternative to Marbella. Links for more informationSotoEstates - sotoestates.comSanta María Polo Club - santamariapoloclub.comCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

Moving to Spain or buying property in Sotogrande? In this episode we break down Spanish tax residency, non-lucrative visas, digital nomad visas, Beckham Law, inheritance tax in Andalusia, and the legal checks you must do before buying property in Spain.Charlie speaks with Joaquin; a partner at González Sánchez & Partners, one of the leading law firms serving Sotogrande, about the most common legal and tax mistakes made by foreign buyers, expats, and second-home owners. Our conversation covers Spanish residency rules, the 183-day rule, worldwide income, non-resident tax, buying through a company, tourist rental licences, inheritance planning, healthcare access, the NIE, padrón registration, and the due diligence needed to buy property safely in Spain.Timestamps / Highlights00:00 Introduction to Spanish property, tax and legal issues00:38 Joaquin's background: lawyer, economist, tax specialist03:35 Biggest misconceptions foreigners have about Spanish law04:58 How the Spanish property process differs from the UK and other countries06:18 Does buying property in Spain give you residency?06:59 Non-lucrative visa explained07:52 Digital nomad visa in Spain08:10 Work visas and who can qualify08:58 Brexit and what changed for UK citizens09:57 Gibraltar movement and local economic impact12:01 How long Spanish residency processes usually take13:37 What makes you a tax resident in Spain?14:54 Why the 183-day rule is not the whole story16:08 What changes when you become tax resident in Spain17:23 Worldwide income, wealth tax and foreign property income18:01 Beckham Law explained20:21 Non-resident tax obligations for second-home owners22:01 Rental income tax for EU vs non-EU owners23:58 What happens if you do not pay Spanish taxes properly25:36 Inheritance tax in Andalusia27:31 Legal checks before buying a property in Spain30:21 Buying through a company vs buying personally34:09 Tourist rental licences in Andalusia36:09 Can a community restrict holiday rentals?36:48 Driving licence rules for residents37:42 Healthcare access after moving to Spain39:06 Why the NIE is so important40:03 What the padrón is and why it matters42:45 When high-net-worth buyers should start planning44:08 The key things to do before moving to Spain45:05 The 3 things people must not get wrongFor anyone considering relocating to Sotogrande, this is one of the most practical conversations we’ve had on the podcast. Sotogrande continues to attract international families, retirees, remote workers and second-home buyers because of its lifestyle, privacy, schools, sport and cross-border accessibility, so understanding Spanish residency, tax planning and legal due diligence is essential before making a move. That “smart decisions” angle is exactly the kind of value this podcast is built to deliver for the local community and future residents. CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

Plazablanca is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about restaurants in Sotogrande, combining modern Spanish cuisine, strong hospitality, and a vibrant community atmosphere. In this episode we explore how a new restaurant becomes a meeting point for locals, residents, and visitors in Sotogrande.I sit down with Haby Zongo, the co-owner of Plazablanca restaurant in Sotogrande to talk about her journey from West Africa to Paris hospitality training and ultimately building a successful restaurant in the Sotogrande community. We discuss what it takes to run a hospitality business in Sotogrande, how Plazablanca was developed from an abandoned building into a thriving restaurant, and how great service, quality ingredients, and strong community connections are key to success in the Costa del Sol dining scene.00:00 Introduction to Plazablanca Restaurant in Sotogrande00:24 Meet the co-owner and the vision behind the restaurant01:00 Growing up in Burkina Faso and early hospitality influences02:03 Training in hospitality school in Paris03:49 Working in restaurants before opening a business04:40 Moving to Sotogrande and life in the community05:35 Opening a first restaurant in Sotogrande Port07:39 The idea behind Plazablanca08:54 Finding the location and developing the restaurant10:06 Designing the restaurant and creating the atmosphere11:19 What makes Plazablanca different from other restaurants12:49 Building a loyal customer base in Sotogrande13:21 Turning an abandoned building into a restaurant14:53 Restaurant layout and capacity15:29 The food concept: modern Spanish cuisine with local influence17:03 Why product quality matters most in cooking18:04 The wine list and supporting small Spanish wineries20:59 Life in Sotogrande and raising a family here22:25 How Sotogrande has evolved since the late 1990s24:32 Plazablanca as a new meeting point in Sotogrande26:12 Plans to make the restaurant a regional destination27:50 Building regular customers and community engagement29:07 Opening hours and the business lunch menuCONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

<p>Moving to Spain (or Sotogrande) and unsure how <b>private health insurance</b> really works for expats — especially for <b>visa applications (NLV)</b>? In this episode we break down <b>network vs reimbursement</b> policies, <b>pre-existing condition</b> traps, and the mistakes that lead to rejected visas or unexpected bills.</p><p>Charlie is joined by <b>Francis Payne</b>, director of Tailormade Healthcare Spain and a long-time Sotogrande resident. Francis explains how Spanish healthcare works in real life (public vs private), what “medical networks” mean at hospitals and clinics, how coverage levels change your treatment options, and why having an English-speaking agent can prevent costly misunderstandings when your policy documents are in Spanish.</p><p><b>Highlights / timestamps</b><br/>00:00 Returning expats + Portugal-to-Spain trend<br/>00:53 Guest intro: Francis Payne (Tailormade Healthcare Spain)<br/>01:46 What DKV is in Spain<br/>04:26 Sotogrande International School + settling in<br/>07:22 Golf/padel as the social gateway to community<br/>10:16 From real estate to health insurance<br/>11:05 Public healthcare: great primary care, slower diagnosis<br/>12:26 Worldwide policies + residency clauses warning<br/>13:45 Insurance for visas (NLV) explained<br/>15:10 Why visa-compliance details matter<br/>19:25 Trustpilot complaints + language misunderstanding problem<br/>20:39 Typical costs: Spain-only vs worldwide cover<br/>21:47 Medical networks: how they work at the desk<br/>23:11 Network vs reimbursement: choosing clinics/doctors<br/>23:33 Treatment differences by policy level (real example)<br/>27:02 Pre-existing conditions: what won’t be covered<br/>32:07 Home doctor memberships (Helicópteros Sanitarios)<br/>33:46 Where to go for A&amp;E with network-only policies<br/>38:36 Demographics changing in Sotogrande + demand drivers<br/>44:14 Why Sotogrande stays the long-term base</p><p><b>Extra context:</b> For Spain’s <b>non-lucrative visa</b>, consulates generally require <b>private health insurance with full coverage in Spain</b>, often <b>without co-payments</b>, and valid for the visa period — always confirm exact requirements with your consulate. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}</p><p><b>More info:</b><br/>

Sotogrande is evolving fast—new luxury developments, stronger year-round community energy, and major upgrades at La Reserva’s Alto Club golf. In this episode we break down what’s changed in Sotogrande real estate and lifestyle over the last 12 months.Rita Hordau (Marketing Director at Sotogrande S.A.) returns to share the latest on The Seven, The Fifteen, Village Verde, upcoming villa launches, and what’s driving demand beyond tax: family lifestyle, low-density living, nature, safety, and community. We also dive into Alto Club’s new concept, the golf academy, Par-3 plans, membership model, sustainability initiatives, and how Sotogrande compares to other international resort communities.Timestamps / Highlights00:00 Rita returns: what’s changed in Sotogrande this year01:45 “More desirable than ever” — positioning Sotogrande globally03:35 Why people choose Sotogrande (not tax benefits)05:05 2025 market: fewer units, higher price points06:20 Sold out updates: Village Verde & demand trends06:55 Alto Club launch: weather hiccups + big momentum07:35 Academy success + Par-3 plans for spring08:05 Membership model: annual playing rights vs traditional clubs09:00 Making golf less intimidating (families, kids, ladies)10:25 “Relaxed rules” without losing golf etiquette11:35 Coaches, facilities, and hosting external pros (training packages)12:55 Greenkeeping changes + course condition improvements13:40 The Seven: landmark sale + construction begins quickly14:10 New project on The Seven plot (licensed, faster build timeline)15:10 The Fifteen: availability update + consolidation16:05 Village Verde Phase 2: new facilities (spa, gym, indoor pool)17:20 Beach villas & licensing realities (roads + launch timing)18:05 What’s next: “The Collection” plots & future pipeline18:55 How sector handovers work (bureaucracy, phases, entities)21:55 Comparing community budgets internationally (what’s different in Spain)23:10 Security, roads, and what Spanish rules allow (pros/cons)27:20 Sustainability plan: conferences, charity run, beach clean, partnerships30:10 Sotogrande identity: low density, like-minded community, family life31:25 “Not just for ultra-wealthy” — day-to-day reality & SIS mix33:40 Why families relocate full-time (beyond sun)36:10 Buyer nationalities: what shifted in 202538:15 Junior elite golf events + local pro success story (Mimi Rhodes)41:00 Wrap: what to watch for next yearSotogrande’s “DNA” is still the same—nature, privacy, low density, sport, and family infrastructure—but the community is becoming more year-round and more international in how it lives and invests. With projects like The Seven, The Fifteen, Village Verde, and the Alto Club golf concept, Sotogrande continues to strengthen its position as one of the Costa del Sol’s most distinctive destinations.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

If you’ve seen someone silently flying above the sea in Sotogrande, you’ve probably seen an e-foil in action. In this episode we break down e-foiling in Sotogrande, electric jetboards, how easy it is to learn, what it costs, and where you can try it at La Reserva (and soon near the Fairmont).I sit down with a leading electric watersports operator to talk about jetboards vs e-foils, who it’s for (from kids to seniors), what to expect in your first session, and why Sotogrande has become a magnet for luxury water sports—from family beach days to yacht events and private bookings.Timestamps / Highlights00:43 The “surfboard with no waves” you keep seeing in Sotogrande01:16 Why Sotogrande felt like “South Africa in Europe”02:37 How La Reserva became the perfect base for watersports04:06 Why this isn’t “just kayaks & paddleboards” (high-tech electric gear)04:34 Sotogrande hosted a major electric watersports festival05:18 What it’s like when 60–80 people are in the water05:43 Is it hard to learn? “Leave feeling like a superhero”06:34 E-foiling as calm, quiet, “like meditation”07:04 Electric bodyboards: easiest entry point (and fast!)08:05 Beach sessions, yachts, private events—how it works08:38 Summer demand: nonstop July & August09:07 Can you visit La Reserva just to do the activity? (important!)09:44 Why it costs what it costs (equipment + maintenance)10:27 Typical session length + pricing ballpark (€150+)11:56 Fairmont watersports plan + waiting on beach license12:43 Why the river mouth looks tempting—but is hazardous13:51 Jetboards vs e-foils: noise, petrol vs electric, and why electric wins15:20 What’s next: winter-friendly electric activities in Sotogrande16:00 Best nearby beaches: Tarifa, Bolonia, Chiclana (and why wind matters)22:00 Ages: roughly 8+ and how they assess people on-site22:14 The 87-year-old who achieved his e-foil dream24:37 Real inclusivity: adaptive athletes, amputees, blind riders25:16 What makes Sotogrande special: people, energy, village feel27:04 “If it fails, I’ll clean pools… but I’ll be happy here.”Extra local contextSotogrande’s coastline and beach lifestyle make it a natural home for water sports, especially experiences that fit the community vibe: quiet, family-friendly, low-density, and quality-led. Electric boards like e-foils also match Sotogrande’s “quiet luxury” feel—more smooth and silent than traditional motorised options—making them popular for families, visitors staying at beach clubs, and guests on yachts.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins

<p></p><p>In this episode we explore <b>real estate marketing on the Costa del Sol</b>, how to <b>attract international buyers</b>, and what’s changing with <b>Meta ads, Google Ads, SEO, and AI</b>—with a special focus on <b>Sotogrande vs Marbella</b>.</p><p>Charlie sits down with a senior leader from a long-established Costa del Sol creative agency to unpack what actually drives results: setting expectations, building specialist teams (web, social, ads, design), why “Sotogrande” is an expensive keyword, how video content builds trust with overseas buyers, and where AI helps (and where it can damage premium brands). The conversation also dives into golf culture, community identity, and the meaning of “quiet luxury” living in Sotogrande.</p><p><b>Timestamps / Highlights</b></p><ul> <li>00:00 International buyers &amp; the “golden egg” client</li> <li>00:36 From pro golf to agency leadership</li> <li>01:22 Sevilla + Marbella upbringing (international schooling)</li> <li>02:53 Turning pro at 18: pressure &amp; discipline</li> <li>05:31 Golf shop → operations manager</li> <li>06:55 Leadership lessons managing older teams</li> <li>10:24 Measuring marketing: what’s trackable vs not</li> <li>12:10 Specialist teams vs generalist agencies</li> <li>14:26 USP: attracting international clientele</li> <li>18:12 Growth: 4 → 17 people, becoming partners</li> <li>19:16 Expanding beyond real estate via hospitality</li> <li>28:32 Video &amp; podcasts: the trust advantage</li> <li>33:39 Lead gen costs + realistic expectations</li> <li>34:07 Meta vs Google: ROI &amp; nuances</li> <li>35:16 SEO crossroads: AI search &amp; prompting</li> <li>37:02 TikTok leads (not just teenagers)</li> <li>39:22 Realistic budget ranges: €5k–€10k/month</li> <li>44:39 When NOT to target “Sotogrande” keywords</li> <li>47:51 Sotogrande lifestyle: quiet luxury explained</li> <li>50:23 AI: efficiency vs human premium experience</li></ul><p>Sotogrande’s market increasingly rewards <b>trust-based, community-specific marketing</b>. Buyers want to understand lifestyle, location, and credibility before they book a viewing—making local authority, consistent content, and clear positioning essential in a place defined by low density, privacy, and understated luxury.

Casares food lovers + Sotogrande locals: this episode is a deep dive into Sarmiento Brasa Andaluza—a MICHELIN Guide-listed destination restaurant near Sotogrande, built on local Andalusian gastronomy, seasonal produce, and the art of cooking over fire (brasa). I sit down with the owner Miguel Hernández Sarmiento to unpack the real story behind building a restaurant in the hills of Casares: from hospitality management abroad (UK/Ireland) to launching in 2018, betting on word-of-mouth marketing, staying true to a focused concept, and creating a serious Spanish-only wine list (with a big spotlight on Andalusian wines). We also get into signature dishes like goat (a key part of Casares culture), seasonal game, sustainability through using the whole animal, and why Sotogrande’s restaurant scene feels “seasonal” compared to places like Marbella. SarmientoTimestamps / highlights00:00 Intro + who Miguel is00:40 From law studies to hospitality03:10 First big break: The Belfry (UK) + management path06:40 Dublin project: building a property “from scratch”07:30 Why come back to Spain (family + long-term life choice)08:30 Working in Sotogrande: revitalizing the marina & restaurants12:10 Why open in Casares + the family property story16:10 What “Sarmiento” means + the concept (brasa, wine, family)18:50 Why bet on Andalusian wines (even when it was “risky”)20:40 Launch challenges: word-of-mouth, not “Instagram ads”22:50 “Zero covers” days + staying true to the plan26:10 The “grillman” philosophy + Basque grill influence30:10 Who cooks: how Miguel’s brother became head of the grill31:00 Signature dishes: goat cuts, sweetbreads, brains, seasonal menu33:00 Game season: venison Wellington + wild rabbit (use everything)34:20 Casares pride + local producers (bread, eggs, butcher)36:20 MICHELIN Guide recommendation + the type of diner it brings 38:30 Building a Spanish-only wine list + modern wine trends41:40 Sotogrande vs Marbella dining: seasonality + residential life46:20 Sustainability: seasonality, whole-animal cooking, less waste50:40 Advice for young people entering hospitalitySarmiento’s identity is built around Andalusian lifestyle and authenticity, cooking on the brasa, and showcasing the best of the mountain + coast supply chain (Casares near the sierra, close enough to access exceptional seafood too). That “between sea and mountains” positioning is a big part of why Casares feels like a different world—perfect for a weekend destination meal for Sotogrande residents.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: connect@charlesgubbins.com🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins